USL-SHAS honors nursing students in 17th capping, pinning, candle lighting ceremony

The University of Saint Louis’ (USL) School of Health and Allied Sciences (SHAS) celebrated the achievements of 157 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students, Batch Salus Dei Gratia, on September 27, 2024, during the 17th Capping, Pinning, and Candle Lighting Ceremony. This event, a cornerstone of the nursing tradition, marked a significant milestone in the students’ academic journey.


The ceremony is a time-honored tradition and a momentous event in the journey of Nursing students. Each element of the ceremony, the cap, the pin, and the candle, holds deep symbolism. Dr. Dindo V. Asuncion, SHAS Academic Dean, explained that the nursing cap represents dignity and honor within the profession. The pin reflects the students’ dedication, ethical commitment, and responsibility to patient care. At the same time, the candle symbolizes the light of knowledge and hope they will carry forward to provide compassionate service. As the students received these tokens, the room brimmed with pride and optimism, signaling the promising future of healthcare through the hands of these aspiring nurses. On top of that, their beloved parents served as witnesses to this solemn vow of devoting their lives to the service of others.


During the ceremony, former Nursing Program Chair, Rosario R. Cañazares, MSN, delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing the profession’s core values. She urged students to see nursing not only as a field of skill and knowledge but as one deeply rooted in heart and compassion. She advised them to begin each duty by praying for strength and guidance and to let prayer be their constant companion. She encouraged the students to seek peace in challenging moments and to end each of their shifts with gratitude for the lives they have touched and the lessons they have learned.


As students received these tokens, pride and hope filled the room for their future careers and for the positive impact they will have on healthcare. Faculty, family, and peers shared this proud moment, celebrating the beginning of a meaningful and dedicated journey in nursing.


As these nursing students prepared to embrace a profession distinguished by both hardships and profound fulfillment, the ceremony ended with a sense of collective hope and enthusiasm for the future.


#SHAS #LouisianNurses #ExperienceUSL #USLPhilippines

Scroll to Top